The labor union representing First Transit bus drivers, who transport the region’s disabled, in addition to maintenance crews and non-clerical administrative employees, has sought permission for a potential strike if an impasse is reached after further negotiations this year.
Jeff Caldwell, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union, said ATU members had rejected First Transit’s last offer, 118 to 7, with 125 voting out of 165 eligible. Caldwell said First Transit has indicated they will provide new negotiation dates later this month. ATU plans to send a negotiator to go back to the table with First Transit later this month, Caldwell said.
The union members also voted to send a strike authorization request to ATU International and the Central Labor Council of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The strike authorization, if approved, would allow the local union to strike in the event of a future impasse and if it decides not to go to federal mediation, Caldwell said.
The main hang-ups to agreeing on a new three-year contract are over wages and benefits, Caldwell said. The worker’s five-year contract is set to expire at the end of August this year ...
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